Ross H. Garber, an attorney for Westfield State University President Evan Dobelle, made a brief speech after members of the WSU Board of trustees voted to place Dobelle on administrative leave pending an investigation on spending procedures at the university. (File photo by Frederick Gore)
WESTFIELD (AP) — Lawyers for former Westfield State University president Evan Dobelle are seeking nearly $100,000 from the school as a partial payment for representing Dobelle before his resignation.
For meetings, phone calls, research and other services, Hartford lawyer Ross Garber has charged the university for 169.5 hours of work between July 15 and Aug. 26, according to bills obtained by The Republican.
Dobelle resigned Nov. 8, ending a three-month legal battle with school trustees and state Higher Education Commissioner Richard Freeland over what some people considered extravagant spending on travel and other perks. Dobelle said the spending was to promote the university.
The trustees have asked the state Attorney General’s office to determine responsibility for Dobelle’s legal bills. A university spokeswoman says the school is still awaiting a ruling.
